Tito Vilanova has resigned as coach of Barcelona, the club have confirmed.

Rumours emerged on Friday that the 44-year-old, who took over from Pep Guardiola prior to the 2012-13 season, was set to step down from his role after suffering another setback in his battle against ill-health.

The 44-year-old had surgery in December 2012 and spent 10 weeks in New York to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy before returning in March to see his side take the Spanish title.

The club said that a new manager is expected to be announced next week.

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta announced the news at a media conference attended by the first team squad.

Rossell said: "Tito Vilanova will continue treatment of his illness, he will not be able to continue as Barcelona's head manager.

"This is a very difficult blow to the club, but we have overcome many difficult setbacks."

Vilanova replaced Pep Guardiola as manager in June 2012, having previously worked as his assistant.

Reports in Spain suggest Joan Francesc Ferrer, known as Rubi, could replace Vilanova in a caretaker capacity.

He joined Barca's coaching staff last month as an assistant to Vilanova and Jordi Roura, who took charge of the first team when Vilanova was absent last season.

Rubi was head coach of Girona last term and led the club to the Segunda Division play-offs, where they lost to Almeria.

Club president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta called a press conference at Camp Nou on Friday evening, where they confirmed Vilanova has indeed opted to resign.